dcf12 chapter1

Basic Introduction to Computers

Chapter One

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A World of Computers

• Computers are everywhere

Discovering Computers Fundamentals, Chapter 1

Pages 2 - 3 Figure 1-1

What Is a Computer?

• A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory


3Pages 3 - 4

Collects data

(input)Processing

Produces information (output)

Information Processing Cycle

4

What Is a Computer?


Figure 1-2

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The Components of a Computer

• A computer contains many electric, electronic, and mechanical components known as hardware


Pages 4 - 7

• Allows you to enter data and instructions into a computerInput Device

• Hardware component that conveys information to one or more peopleOutput Device

• Case that contains the electronic components of the computer that are used to process dataSystem Unit

• Holds data, instructions, and information for future useStorage Device

• Enables a computer to send and receive data, instructions, and information to and from one or more computers or mobile devices

Communications Device

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The Components of a Computer


Page 5 Figure 1-3

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Computers

Advantages of Using Computers

Disadvantages of Using Computers


Speed

Reliability

Consistency

Storage

Communications

Violation of Privacy

Public Safety

Impact on Labor Force

Health Risks

Impact on Environment

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Networks and the Internet

• A network is a collection of computers and devices connected together, often wirelessly, via communications devices and transmission media

• The Internet is a worldwide collection of networks that connects millions of businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals


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Page 8 Figure 1-6

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• People use the Internet for a variety of reasons:



Communicate Research and Access Information

Shop Bank and Invest Online Trading

Entertainment Share Information Download Videos Web Application

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• A social networking Web site encourages members to share their interests, ideas, stories, photos, music, and videos with other registered users– Also called an online social network


Page 10

Computer Software

• Software, also called a program, tells the computer what tasks to perform and how to perform them


12Pages 11 - 12Figures 1-8 - 1-9

System Software• Operating system• Utility program

Application Software

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Computer Software

• Installing is the process of setting up software to work with the computer, printer, and other hardware



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Computer Software

• A programmer develops software or writes the instructions that direct the computer to process data into information


Page 13 Figure 1-11

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Categories of Computers

Embedded computers

Supercomputers

Mainframes

Servers

Game consoles

Mobile computers and mobile devices

Personal computers


Pages 14 - 15

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Personal Computers

• A personal computer can perform all of its input, processing, output, and storage activities by itself

• Two popular architectures are the PC and the Apple– Desktop computer


Pages 15 - 16Figures 1-13 - 1-14

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Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices

Personal computer you can carry from place to place

Examples include notebook computers, laptop computers, netbooks, and Tablet PCs

Mobile Computer

Computing device small enough to hold in your hand

Examples include smart phones and, PDAs, e-book readers, handheld computers, portable media players, and digital cameras

Mobile Device


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Notebook computer

Tablet PC

Smart phones and PDAs

E-book reader


Pages 16 - 17Figures 1-15 – 1-18

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Handheld computer

Portable media player

Digital camera


Pages 17 - 18Figures 1-19 – 1-20

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Game Consoles

• A game console is a mobile computing device designed for single-player or multiplayer video games


Page 18 Figure 1-21

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Servers

• A server controls access to the hardware, software, and other resources on a network– Provides a centralized storage area for programs, data,

and information


Page 19 Figure 1-22

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Mainframes

• A mainframe is a large, expensive, powerful computer that can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users simultaneously


Page 19 Figure 1-23

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Supercomputers

• A supercomputer is the fastest, most powerful computer– Fastest supercomputers are capable of processing

more than one quadrillion instructions in a single second


Page 19 Figure 1-24

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Embedded Computers

• An embedded computer is a special-purpose computer that functions as a component in a larger product


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Consumer Electronics

Home Automation Devices

Automobiles

Process Controllers and Robotics

Computer Devices and Office Machines

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Embedded Computers


Page 20 Figure 1-25

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Examples of Computer Usage

Home User• Personal financial

management• Web access• Communications• Entertainment

Small Office/Home Office User• Look up information• Send and receive e-mail

messages• Make telephone calls

Mobile User• Connect to other computers

on a network or the Internet• Transfer information• Play video games• Listen to music• Watch movies


Pages 20 – 23Figures 1-26 – 1-28

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Examples of Computer Usage

Power User• Work with

multimedia• Use industry-specific

software

Enterprise User• Communicate

among employees• Process high

volumes of transactions

• Blog


Pages 23 – 24Figures 1-29 – 1-30

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Computer Applications in Society

Education

Finance

Government

Health CareDiscovering Computers Fundamentals, Chapter 1

Pages 24 -26 Figures 1-31 – 1-34

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Computer Applications in Society

Science

Publishing

Travel

ManufacturingDiscovering Computers Fundamentals, Chapter 1

Pages 26-27Figures 1-35 – 1-38

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Summary

Basic computer concepts

Components of a computer

Networks, the Internet, and computer software

Many different categories of

computers, computer users, and computer

applications in society


Page 28

dcf12 chapter1

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